Dammit!

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p.penn
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Dammit!

Post by p.penn »

I have just got back from the hospital as I was referred there to see if they could do something to help the muscles support my hip as it keeps dislocating. and the specialist has told me I have arthritis in both hips. }hairout{

I have to go back in 6 months, and he says it's up to me what happens now. Great. How am I going to find the time between work contracts to have and recover from an op? }hairout{

I am not a happy bunny {cry}
Helen xx

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Mad Chick
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Re: Dammit!

Post by Mad Chick »

What kind of op are they recommending Helen? Replacements?

Would you be entitled to sickness pay if you are off work? I know companies aren't legally obliged to pay sick pay but many do if asked {hug}
Lucy x


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p.penn
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Re: Dammit!

Post by p.penn »

I think I would get some sick pay from my supermarket job, but for the watering I am on temporary contract in a small family business, so if an op was imminent, I wouldn't feel able to even take on the work as they would have to pay me and someone else.

I think he meant it was up to me as to if/when I have an op - I certainly don't feel the need at the moment. What I would like is for when it gets worse, to just pop along when it's convenient and say "Now please" !!! Of course, it just doesn't happen like that. :?

As I was expecting to find out if he could do anything to stabilise my hip (involving muscles) I was a bit surprised (to say the least) when he said that, and so am only now thinking of all the questions I should have asked! >dum<
Helen xx

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Annie
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Re: Dammit!

Post by Annie »

Takes the wind out of your sails, when you go in expecting a conversation about one thing and find out its something different - although in your case Helen, not entirely different but certainly now what you were expecting.
The only thing I would say is have a good think about just how you can manage during the time of the op and the recovery period as something like this is better done sooner than left. You are still a comparitively young person to be having a hip replacement suggested and recouperation may well be easier for you at your age than leaving it until you are older.
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saint-spoon
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Re: Dammit!

Post by saint-spoon »

have they suggested some exercises to strengthen the muscles that hold the hip in place? I have got a whole bag of ones for my knees but they include strengthening exercises for the whole leg. Hope that it all settles down.
My physio suggested taking some glucosamine tablets, not sure if they help but my knees do feela lot batter these days.
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LittleBrownFrog
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Re: Dammit!

Post by LittleBrownFrog »

My Mum had a hip replacement last year - she was sixty. She had been struggling in considerable pain for several years, but managed to keep things manageable using exercies provided by the physio. I'm surprised that that hasn't been offered as an option, even if only to tide you over while waiting for an op.
I take glucosamine and chondroitin supplements in an effort to stave off the osteo-arthritis that runs in our family.
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MissEllie
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Re: Dammit!

Post by MissEllie »

Sorry to hear about your hips Helen, my dad has had several 3 knee replacements and he was lucky that he was able to rerefer to his surgeon when it got so bad he needed surgery. Hopefully it'll be a long while before you need to consider it and hopefully physio might be an option to strengthen muscles etc in the meantime. {hug}
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p.penn
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Re: Dammit!

Post by p.penn »

LittleBrownFrog wrote: She had been struggling in considerable pain for several years, but managed to keep things manageable using exercies provided by the physio. I'm surprised that that hasn't been offered as an option, even if only to tide you over while waiting for an op.


I was initially referred for physio by my gp, and after a couple of months I had an x ray and it was her who contacted my gp again to suggest the referral to the specialist. I asked about continuing physio today and he said if it helped, yes. I am not sure if it does or not as every time my hip got 'set off', I had to stop exercising again }hairout{ I will speak to the physio this week.

I have been reading up on recovery times etc, and it seems I would need to allow about 3 months all in all. It also says that replacements last 20 years max, and that re-doing them is not half as successful. I think I will try to last as long as I can without surgery.

It's just a blooming nuisance - yet another thing on my 'to do' list. }hairout{
Helen xx

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LittleBrownFrog
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Re: Dammit!

Post by LittleBrownFrog »

Have you tried a TENS machine to help with the pain? Mum was able to borrow one from her GP or Physio (not sure which), and then went on to buy one for herself.
"Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder..." Thoreau.
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p.penn
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Re: Dammit!

Post by p.penn »

Not yet LBF - when I get any pain it's really extreme, then passes in a few mins. It leaves me feeling like I am badly bruised for a couple of weeks afterwards, and I have been told to take ipuprofen as it will really help.

However, if the pain becomes more regular, I shall certainly consider a tens machine, thank you.
Helen xx

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Re: Dammit!

Post by LisaB »

Oh dear, really sorry to hear that, Helen :(

I know it's not the same - but I had a TENS machine for my arthritis in my lower back and it did help, just be careful, do not accidentally turn it all the way up when you mean to turn it off :oops: :oops: not a nice experience {rofwl}
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Re: Dammit!

Post by Benny&Co »

Oh Helen {cry}

I can't add much more to what the others have said really. What have the physio's been doing to you when you see them?

Big {hug}
Bev x
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Re: Dammit!

Post by aishakali »

I feel for you Helen. My hips are ok (I think) but I need my other knee replaced soon. It makes you feel so old when you are in pain and hobbling, and 20yrs doesn't seem very long when you are young in your head :? Hope you get something sorted soon {hug}
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LittleBrownFrog
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Re: Dammit!

Post by LittleBrownFrog »

LisaB wrote:Oh dear, really sorry to hear that, Helen :(

I know it's not the same - but I had a TENS machine for my arthritis in my lower back and it did help, just be careful, do not accidentally turn it all the way up when you mean to turn it off :oops: :oops: not a nice experience {rofwl}

{rofwl}
I used a TENS machine when I was in labour. By the end, it was turned up full tilt & I still couldn't feel it at all, was just clicking the 'boost' button every time I had a contraction, but couldn't tell whether the machine was on or off. When the midwife took the machine off, she put it the pads on my dh's arm & turned the machine on without changing the settings - he went through the roof!!!!!!!
"Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder..." Thoreau.
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albertajune
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Re: Dammit!

Post by albertajune »

Oh dear Helen, not good news but something that will probably be neccessary in the future.
You may have read that I had the same problem with hips dislocating and of course arthritis. You will of course have to decide when it will be done, but if I can presume to offer some advice, I would say have it done if possible sooner than later.
I actually got to a state where I couldn't walk from one room to another without intense pain. This was through the loose hip joints and then the wear and tear from arthritis. This state came on so suddenly and I then had to wait for 9mths to have the surgery. The recovery does to a great extent depend on you. When I went back to the hospital after six weeks, crutches were taken away and I was able to walk with a stick.
I used to go with OH to get his papers in the local Sanbries and just walk up and down the isle for excercise. I did the trick by strengthening the muscles.
Do think really carefully Helen about when to have it done. Whenever you decide, I hope you don't have too much pain in the meantime. {hug}
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